Cincinnati Goes to China, Part II

Guest Blogger: Carla Walker, Sister Cities International Board Member and Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Cincinnati

The Great Wall
The only thing on the agenda for Sunday was to see, feel, walk and take in the Great Wall. We visited two areas. One was called the Lakeside Great Wall Reserve and the second was the Mutianyu section, which means “valley to the sky.” I can only say that I was not prepared and don’t think I could have prepared myself for the experience.

We drove through villages and country side to reach both areas but only enough time to catch a glimpse of rural life. There were dirt roads in most places but the villages were teaming with people. We whizzed by a bride and groom with firecrackers popping. I’m told fireworks are always a part of the ceremony here – partying at receptions must be a universal concept.
The surprise of Lakeside was that it included a park and recreation area just underneath a portion of the Wall. It was a great teaser for Mutianyu. Visitors could access the wooden walkways along the mountain ridges below some of the Wall section. The passage is officially named “winding around mountain plank road” and there is one section that is suspended in the air by just a few beams. It wiggled beneath my feet. I’m not a big fan of heights – or wooden footbridges – but it was incredibly relaxing to be on the side of a mountain with a lake below you and some part of the Great Wall above you. The water is dammed but even the dam is part of the show because you can walk underneath the trickling falls.

When we walked back to the car, we celebrated with fireworks. We then drove through the countryside to the next stop.

Mutianyu
Mutianyu deserved its own entry. It is said to be the most beautiful and scenic portions of the Wall and was the transfer ceremony site for the 2008 Olympic Games. The structure stands out against a landscape of maple trees. In the background you can see rocky mountains. Unlike other sections of the Wall, Mutianyu was constructed on the outer side of the cliff (a defense strategy), is buttressed on both sides and includes trenches on the outer sides. In its beauty you can still see the design for battle and fortification.

We took a chair lift up to the Wall. You cans see so much of the structure from the chair. We walked and hiked from garrison to garrison and came upon what I think is the best enhancement of this ancient landmark – a makeshift bar. Yes, a place for refreshment and libation. Along Mutianyu, you will find locals who have set up shop with water, sodas, candy and Chinese beer. We bought a beer and climbed up the inside of one of the garrisons. When we reached the top, we opened our beers and toasted the occasion while taking in the view from the top. I can see how a person would want to visit there for hours. It was peaceful, not crowded with tourists and surprisingly accommodating.

Hard to top that feeling but we did add to it. There are a few options for getting down – ropeway, railway, chairlift….and toboggan. The adventurer in me headed for the toboggan. I just had to remember to push for speed and pull back to brake. And, no pictures. I got the hang of it pretty quick and discovered my speed demon side. I even discovered how much of a multi-tasker I am as I zoomed down the slope taking pictures.